Marine stratocumulus cloud clearing episodes observed during FIRE

Abstract

These synoptic-to-mesoscale clearing episodes appear to be correlated with the ridging of the Pacific subtropical anticyclone into the United States Pacific Northwest, resulting in offshore flow effects. Furthermore, the subsidence associated with the Pacific subtropical anticyclone may help cause the clearing episodes, or prevent the redevelopment of these clouds in the clear regions. Because of the contribution of marine stratocumulus clouds to the global albedo, the clearing of large regions of these clouds may impact climate. -from Author